Speakers

Jon Adler is the Director of Program Development at CNN, based in New York City. In this position, he is responsible for cultivating relationships within the creative community and developing original programming across a variety of CNN platforms. As the Director of Program Development, Adler is accountable for the development...more

Jon Alpert has produced and directed dozens of acclaimed documentaries, winning 16 Emmy Awards and two Academy Award nominations. He has also won four Columbia DuPont Awards, two Overseas Press Club Awards and a Peabody Award. More than a hundred of his reports and documentaries from across the United States...more

Peter Andrews is Head of Network Programming, Television and Online for SBS Television Australia. Peter is responsible for heading up the Channel Management, Scheduling and Acquisition teams for SBS Main Channel, SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand. He is a passionately engaged content executive, that fearlessly pursues innovative world class ideas so that...more

Harriet Armston-Clarke is Head of Sales at TVF International, the world’s leading independent distributor of non-scripted content. TVF International’s catalogue encompasses everything from factual entertainment and lifestyle series to exceptional award-winning documentaries, representing some of the most innovative and creative content makers from across the globe.

Hayley Babcock is a highly respected international television executive with an extensive background at major Hollywood studios in development, production, acquisition and management. She has wide-ranging experience supervising productions, overseeing multiple global franchises, acquiring programming and uniting diverse international partners to work as a cohesive team.

Sam Barcroft formed Barcroft Media in 2003 to provide editorial content to the international print media. Over the past decade the business has operated at the leading edge of the transition from analogue to digital media, now employing over fifty staff in bureaux in London, New York and New Delhi.

Jon Bardin serves as Director of Development and Production, Documentaries and Specials for Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and Science Channel. In this role, Bardin is responsible for bringing new documentaries and specials to Discovery Channel while helping manage the development and production of concepts to green light, in addition to...more

Currently, Andie Beckerman is a VP of Alternative Development at Syfy and reports to Heather Olander. Prior to Syfy Andie worked at AMC, where she developed successful shows like The Walking Dead live aftershow Talking Dead hosted by Chris Hardwick and the cult favorite Comic Book Men. Hailing originally from...more

Kevin Bennett is the general manager of Investigation Discovery (ID) and American Heroes Channel (AHC), as well as the executive vice president of programming for ID, AHC and Destination America. In his dual roles, Bennett leads a centralized programming, scheduling and acquisitions division across the three brands, and oversees the...more

High Noon Entertainment CEO Jim Berger is a Colorado-based show creator, writer and producer, playing a key role in the creation or co-creation of series including HGTV’s highest rated series Fixer Upper, Cake Boss (TLC), Dr. Dee (Animal Planet) and Tough Love (VH1) among many more.

As Senior Executive Producer for Velocity, two-time Emmy award winning producer Josh Berkley is charged with overseeing the production of several key Velocity franchises including the international hit series Wheeler Dealers, Americarna hosted by three-time NASCAR champion crew chief Ray Evernham, the network’s signature series Chasing Classic Cars and the newly...more

Vibika Bianchi is Senior Vice President of Force Four Entertainment, and runs the Vancouver based company’s Toronto offices. A business-minded creative executive with over 20 years experience in the television industry, Vibika’s mandate is to contribute to the growth and success of Force Four Entertainment, domestically and internationally. Prior to...more

Derek Blum is an agent in the Alternative & Factual Programming department at APA, one of the largest diversified talent agencies in the industry with headquarters in Beverly Hills, New York, Nashville, Atlanta and London. Blum’s primary focus is packaging and selling original content with the agency’s producer and on-screen...more

Oliver Bogner started his career as a Disc Jockey and Club Promoter in Los Angeles through his event production company GO Entertainment, which he founded in 2006. In 2009 he launched Bogner Entertainment Television, focused on non-fiction television and sold his first show, Party Prince 90210, to E! Television....more

James Bolosh is currently Vice President Programming & Development for FYI. In his role, he oversees development and programming for the recently rebranded network, including the hit docuseries franchise “Tiny House Nation,” “Food Porn” and more.

Carla Borrás is the Director of Digital Video for FRONTLINE, PBS’ flagship investigative journalism series. She oversees digital video production and strategy, working with FRONTLINE’s producers, editors, and journalists to create smart engaging video that is shared with audiences across platforms.

Sean Boyle is Vice President, Development & Programming for HISTORY, overseeing the development and production of unscripted series and specials for the network. He joined the network in September 2015 and is based in HISTORY’s LA office.

Prior to joining HISTORY, Boyle served as Vice President of Development for Discovery where...more

Richard Bradley is MD and co-founder of Lion Television, one of the industry’s most successful production companies with bases in London, Glasgow and New York. Richard specializes in both popular, ambitious history, science and factual projects for broadcasters throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Under his creative leadership, Lion has...more

As vice president of non-fiction and alternative programming for AMC and SundanceTV, Marco Bresaz helps oversee both networks’ original non-fiction programming development and their current portfolio of non-fiction programming. He first joined AMC Networks in 2010 as vice president of original programming and development for SundanceTV, and in 2013, moved...more

Steve Burns is Chief Programming Officer forCuriosityStream, a subscription-video-on-demand (SVOD) channel from the founder of the Discovery Channel. Burns is responsible for 600 hours of production and acquisitions for the science, technology and history channel.

In addition, he is also Executive Producer for WNET/ NY's long-running Secrets of the Dead...more

As the head of programming and Development for Destination America and American Heroes Channel, Matthew Butler is responsible for cultivating original content for the network and managing their day-to-day program scheduling and ratings performances. At the heart of Butler’s responsibilities is overseeing a program’s shelf life from pitch to premiere....more

Nicholas Caprio is Chief Content Officer at Pilgrim Media Group, one of television’s most prolific and successful independent production companies. Over the past 10 years, Caprio has contributed to hundreds of hours of television. Joining Pilgrim Studios in 2012, he has overseen the production of all of Pilgrim’s programs, many of which...more

M&C Media President/CEOMichael Casciohas executive experience in successful television programming, production, journalism and communication. As SVP/EVP at A&E, Animal Planet, MSNBC and National Geographic Channel, he created and supervised many award-winning and popular programs: Brain Games, Biography, American Justice, Dog Whisperer, Doomsday Preppers, and landmark specials Inside 9/11, The ’90s:...more

Vanessa Case has a long and documented history of success in creating, buying, scheduling and launching not only consumer-relevant, but consumer-engaging content, with a focus on factual and lifestyle categories. Having worked on well-established international brands such as the National Geographic Channel, HGTV and History Channel, she has brought her...more

Nick works across a wide range of genre and programming including access documentaries British Army Girls (Channel 4), Guarding The Queen (BBC One), A Very British Airline (BBC Two), arts Rebuilding The World Trade Center (Channel 4 -BAFTA and RTS Award winner); history such as The Dambusters Great Escape (Channel 4), Bomber Boys with...more

Courtny Catzel is an agent in the International Television & Media Department at ICM Partners, a talent and literary agency representing clients in the fields of motion pictures, television, publishing, music, theater branded entertainment, and digital media. ICM Partners, a privately held corporation, is one of the predominant agencies in...more

Lauren Celinski serves as Director, Programming and Development at E! where she is responsible for developing unscripted series for the network as well as overseeing projects through production. Her goal is to identify original content that pushes the boundaries of entertainment and pop culture. Since joining E! Celinski has been...more

Dan Cesareo, Founder and President of Big Fish Entertainment, is one of the most innovative and creative executives in the unscripted business. From VH1’s hit franchise Black Ink Crew to the A&E’s groundbreaking series Live PD, from the critically acclaimed Bomb Patrol: Afghanistan to TLC’s DC Cupcakes - expect the...more

Todd Christopher launched his entertainment career as an agent trainee in the William Morris Agency mailroom following graduation from Princeton University in 2000, then moving to the Gersh Agency in 2003. Currently, Todd heads and oversees the Alternative Packaging Department, a division that he created which includes under its purview...more

Brady Connell has been the Executive Producer/showrunner of all four seasons of the successful ABC/Fremantle series, “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” Previously he served as Executive Producer/showrunner of the ABC/Endemol series “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” delivering over 100 episodes of the landmark series, working with corporations and communities to generate...more

Colleen Conway Grogan has been Vice President of Unscripted Programming for Lifetime since September of 2010.

Based in New York, she currently serves as the Executive Producer of the network’s popular docuseries Bring It!, going into its fourth season January 2017. Conway Grogan is also overseeing the network’s breakout hit, Rap...more

Laura Crowson serves as Sr. Director of Development & Development Strategy for Discovery Channel. In this role, she works alongside international and domestic producers to develop prime-time series for the network, while helping to steer strategy for new projects.

During her time with the network, Crowson has been an instrumental part...more

John Dahl, vice president and executive producer, ESPN Films and Original Content, oversees all aspects of the Peabody and Emmy-winning 30 for 30 documentary film series, including 30 for 30 Shorts. He also heads up development and production of the SEC Storied series. Dahl has been crucial to the success of these series from the beginning, serving...more

Since establishing T Group in 2010, Daly has created, sold and produced over 50 series, pilots and presentations to a wide range of networks. Daly oversees and manages a production slate that includes over 100 episodes of Mystery Diners (Food), Storage Hunters (truTV), Storage Hunters UK (Dave),The Xperiment (BET), Hollywood & Football (E!), Ozzy...more

David Davoli is a partner in the New York City based law firm, Davoli Davids, LLP, and has spent the last nine years focused on film, television, publishing and new media transactions. In addition to having worked as production, finance or distribution counsel on over 40 independent film, television and...more

Joni Day is the Vice President of Alternative Programming at FremantleMedia North America (FMNA). In this role, she is responsible for development and production of reality competition, game show and other unscripted television programming. During her time at FMNA, Day has played an integral role in the development and launch...more

Olivia de Courson serves as Director of Series Development for MTV where she is responsible for developing unscripted series as well as overseeing series with production for the network. Her goal is to identify unique and original content that pushes the boundaries of music and entertainment. De Courson’s credits include The Almost Impossible Game Show and MTV’s...more

Thomas Dey is Chief Executive Officer, President and Principal Founder of ACF Investment Bank, a leading international Investment Bank with offices in Los Angeles, New York and London, specialized in advising companies and individuals in the TV Production and Distribution sector on sales, acquisitions, and fund raisings.

Chris Dorsey, Founding Partner of Denver-based Dorsey Pictures (previously Orion Entertainment), is a longtime industry executive with over 1500 hours of programming at Dorsey Pictures, including 150+ hours leading the frontier movement in Alaska-centric programming and a thriving branded entertainment division that will celebrate its 15-year anniversary in March 2016....more

Christian Drobnyk was named Senior Vice President, Programming Strategy and Acquisitions, of Lifetime Networks, in August 2011. Based in New York, he is responsible for overseeing all program acquisitions, co-production movie commissioning and program planning for Lifetime & LMN. This includes developing and commissioning over 50 hours a year of...more

In this capacity, he is responsible for overseeing all linear programing and development for Fuse and FM, including award-winning series Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce, which was renewed for its sixth season. He was instrumental in establishing a partnership between Fuse and Dwayne Johnson to bring to air freshman series...more

With more than 23 years of experience in the entertainment and television industry, Jane Durkee oversees all operations and business aspects of the company. She works closely on new show development as well as the company’s strategic initiatives. As COO, she manages all operations of the business.

Margaret Ebrahim, who goes by her nickname “Mishi,” is an award-winning producer, journalist, writer and storyteller. She’s had the great honor of working with some of the most successful and innovative media organizations including National Geographic, CBS 60 Minutes and ABC News as well as The Center for Public Integrity...more

Marshall Eisen became part of the CNBC Primetime Alternative Production and Development team in May, 2015, and since then has worked as executive producer on a variety of series, including Follow The Leader, Cleveland Hustles, and Adventure Capitalists. Prior to joining CNBC, Eisen worked in Production and Series Development at...more

Emily Elisha, Head of Factual, Banijay Rights, oversees factual acquisitions for the TV rights catalogue. Emily has 17 years’ experience in the international distribution sector originally working as Head of Sales for an independent distribution company before joining the now Zodiak Rights as its Head of Acquisitions in 2003 (then...more

Marc Etkind is General Manager of Science Channel. In this capacity he oversees all aspects of programming, production, development, marketing, brand strategy and day-to-day operations for the network. Etkind is based in New York.

Etkind earlier served as general manager for Destination America where he was responsible for the development and production...more

Tom Farrell has 26 years of television production experience, having spent the past fourteen years in television executive management.

Since 2007, Tom, has presided over the strategic planning and day-to-day operations of The WorkShop. Tom has lead The WorkShop through a period of rapid and exciting growth. The Haney Project is among...more

John Feld is the Senior Vice President of Original Programming and Production for Scripps Networks Interactive lifestyle brands HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country. In this role, he is responsible for developing and supervising specials, series and tent-pole events for the networks.

As Head of Acquisitions and Co-Productions at UKTV, Alexandra Finlay is responsible for strategic linear and non-linear programme supply at UKTV, securing brand-defining acquisitions and co-productions from international sources ranging from major US studios, to pan-territory distributors and independent producers and suppliers. Jointly owned by BBC Worldwide and Scripps Networks,...more

Sonia is the founder, CEO and Managing Director of Bomanbridge Media - a leading Singapore-based distribution and production company exclusively representing renowned production companies from around the world. Serving as both brand strategist and program distributor for entry into the Asia Pacific markets, its acquisition team continually handpicks select products...more

In her role with Discovery Networks, Follows is responsible for the commissioning, development, and production of independent programming for Discovery and its related networks (Animal Planet, Discovery Velocity, Investigation Discovery, and Discovery Science).

In 2005, Follows joined Discovery Channel’s in-house production company, Exploration Production Inc.’s (EPI) as producer and soon rose to...more

John Ford serves as general manager of the Non-Fiction Producers Association (NPA), the first professional body created to represent the non-fiction content production business in the United States. Launched in 2014, the NPA’s membership currently includes 41 US production companies.

Tom Forman is the Chief Executive Officer for Critical Content overseeing all creative and business operations for the company.

Forman previously served as CEO of Relativity Television, a position that he held for eight years since he founded the division in 2008. During his tenure, Forman received NATPE’s 2011 Innovator Award...more

Nicky Forsman is Head of Creative for OUTtv, Canada’s only LGBTQ television network, a post she has held since 2013. After working as an independent producer, Nicky joined OUTtv’s Vancouver office in 2006 as part of the development team and since then has spearheaded the creation of over 200 hours...more

As Genre Director for Factual Entertainment and Entertainment, Tracy is in charge of BBC Worldwide's content investment strategy for Factual Entertainment and Entertainment globally, managing and curating the content programming slate, as well as commissioning content to support the roll-out of the BBC global channels BBC Brit and BBC Earth...more

Jimmy Fox is Executive Vice President of Objective Media Group America and based in Los Angeles. In his role as EVP, Fox oversees all aspects of development for Objective’s rapidly expanding US arm. In addition to adapting the formats created by Objective Productions in the UK, he creates and develops...more

David Garfinkle is co-founder of Renegade 83, one of the world’s fastest growing and most successful unscripted production companies. David oversees development and sales at Renegade having sold and produced shows with A&E, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, the CW, USA, TruTV, Fox and Syfy.

Anna Geddes joined Travel Channel’s team as a Director of Programming on September 1, 2016.

Geddes is a proven hit maker with a reputation for being one of the industry’s strongest storytellers. She has run popular shows like TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress, Bravo’s Newlyweds: The First Year and Ladies...more

As WE tv’s executive vice president of development & original programming, Lauren Gellert is responsible for developing and producing brand-defining original series that drive viewership, build buzz and support the network’s overall business and revenue goals. She leads the network’s efforts in finding fresh new unscripted originals – such as...more

David George serves as CEO of Leftfield Entertainment (under the ITV America umbrella), overseeing operations, including all programming initiatives and strategies, as well as development and production across all genres and platforms for the Leftfield Entertainment group, which encompasses Leftfield Pictures (Alone), Sirens Media (Real Housewives of New Jersey), Loud TV (Tiny House Nation), and Outpost...more

Nancy Glass, a six-time Emmy award winning producer and writer, started Philadelphia-based Glass Entertainment Group (formerly known as Nancy Glass Productions) in 2003 after a distinguished career as a journalist. Best known for producing Animal Planet’s long-running hit series, Tanked, as well as its new hit, The Vet Life, GEG has produced...more

As senior vice president of non-fiction and alternative programming for AMC and SundanceTV, Eliot Goldberg is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations for both networks’ original non-fiction development as well as its current portfolio of current programming. He first joined AMC in 2013, and added Sundance TV to his purview...more

Morgan Greco is the Vice President of Social Media Business Development for A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime and FYI and associated series. Morgan and her team are responsible for developing and overseeing monetization and promotional strategies for the networks’ social media platforms and digital content. Prior to this position, Morgan oversaw all...more

Abby Greensfelder is Co-CEO and Executive Producer at Half Yard Productions. With business partner, Sean Gallagher, Greensfelder’s passion for compelling television, unforgettable storytelling and her interest in social anthropology spurred her to start independent production company Half Yard Productions in 2006. Since inception, Half Yard has made hit series for...more

Jordan Harman currently serves as Executive Producer for FYI, where he helps oversee development and programming for the lifestyle-based network. In his role, Harman has co-developed and executive produced the hit series Man vs. Child: Chef Showdown and Zombie House Flipping, as well as upcoming series Man vs. Master and...more

Samuel Harowitz currently serves as the Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions, North America for FremantleMedia International (FMI). In this role, Harowitz is responsible for managing the North American Global Content team which is responsible for sourcing, vetting and acquiring intellectual property, programming and co-production opportunities for international development and...more

Karin Heijinik was appointed Vice President of Channels and Products at Viasat World in 2015 and has worked with the company since 2011. Previously, she worked at MTG AB as Vice President of Pay TV Channels East. Prior to that she worked for MTV Networks International as Senior Director of...more

Sara Helman joined TLC in October 2015 as the Vice President of Production and Development. Helman helps oversee development strategy and programming initiatives for the network and is currently working on several shows in development including the 90 Day Fiancé spinoff series, 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days(working...more

Justina Hemperek is the Manager, Factual Acquisitions UK & Europe for Entertainment One Television International (eOne). She presently handles the division’s robust acquisition efforts across Europe. Prior to joining eOne, Hemperek held a similar role at ITV Studios Global Entertainment and has also spent time at All3Media International and RDF...more

Greg Henry is co-founder and co-president of Lucky 8 TV, overseeing all production, development and operations for the company. Since it was established in 2014, Henry has executive produced more than 100 hours of programming for Lucky 8, including a wide range of successful series and specials, from blue-chip documentary to formatted...more

Cindy Holland is Vice President of Original Content at Netflix, where she is tasked with acquiring, producing and overseeing the launches of the company's slate of original documentaries, scripted series and comedy specials. A longtime member of the Netflix team, Holland joined the company in 2002 and helped establish its...more

Born in Mainz in 1968, Nikolas Hülbusch studied Theatre, Film and Television, as well as Slavic studies, at Bochum (Germany) and Katowice (Poland) Universities from 1989 to 1995. He published several articles and two books on documentary and feature film history.

Jimmy Humphrey is Head of Acquisitions at Passion Distribution. Jimmy is responsible for the continued development and management of the international pipeline, devising and implementing Passion Distribution’s content strategy and establishing relationships with rights owners and broadcasters. Passion Distribution specialises in popular quality programming and formats and works with some...more

Bridget Hunnicutt is a creative media executive who has had a successful career at commissioning, selling and producing innovative and powerful nonfiction content. She is the Founder and Creative Director at Hunni Media, which works with nonfiction networks, new media and production companies. She has consulted National Geographic Channel, PSG...more

Jay Hunt became Chief Creative Officer of Channel 4 in January 2011 from her position as Controller at BBC One. Jay’s commissions during this time include critically acclaimed shows such as Sherlock, Luther and Mrs Brown’s Boys.

Elliot Jacobson is EVP & Chief Content Officer for RLTV, with responsibility for the network's content and marketing strategy. Elliot oversees the programming development, production and acquisition teams, in addition to the marketing, PR and digital teams. As a founding executive, Elliot has been instrumental in the growth of RLTV...more

CEO of CORE Innovation Group Patrick Jager is a unique blend of left and right brain thinking. A dynamic leader or an ever-changing business climate, Jager has dedicated his life to the art of storytelling and 2.0 business growth – with focus on media, communications and business development and developing strategies to expand companies into...more

Brett-Patrick Jenkins is a Critic’s Choice award winning producer and television executive based in Los Angeles, and the Head of Development at Propagate Content.After studying art at the University of Texas at Austin, Brett-Patrick joined Rick Baker’s Cinovation Studios and contributed to films including Hell Boy and The Haunted Mansion....more

Jeff Keane’s career began as a producer and sports reporter in local television for WLEX-TV in Lexington Kentucky. After a year, Jeff moved back to St. Louis and began his climb up to Senior Producer at Anheuser-Busch subsidiary, Busch Creative Services. Four years later Keane parted ways with BCS to...more

Bobby Kenner is a Television agent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the world’s leading entertainment and sports agency with offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, Nashville, and Beijing. Kenner is based in Los Angeles and represents many of the world’s leading producers, including Intuitive Entertainment, Lighthearted Entertainment, Kingdom Reign,...more

Justin Killion currently serves as Head of Premium Development & Programming for Complex Networks’ channels Complex, Rated Red, and Seriously.tv.

In this role he oversees scripted and non-scripted development & acquisitions, current programming, production management, and the content delivery of Complex Networks’ premium series which culminates in hundreds of hours of...more

Endyia Kinney-Sterns is an accomplished television producer and network executive with over 20 years of entertainment television experience. Named one of the “Top Female Executives in Hollywood” by Essence Magazine, Kinney-Sterns has been instrumental in identifying and developing various new programming for various networks.

Chris Kinsella is the Senior Vice President of Development at 51 Minds where he plays a key role in the company’s development slate including hit series Redneck Island, Sisterhood of Hip Hop and Steve Austin’s Broken Skulls Challenge. He joined the company in 2010 as Director of Development.

As the President & Executive Producer of Atlas Media Corp, Bruce David Klein has been a recognized pioneer, industry leader, and creative force behind hundreds of hours of high-profile, award-winning unscripted series, specials and theatrical documentaries. He has created, written, produced and/or executive-produced series and specials such as Hotel Impossible...more

Group SVP Head of Production Investigation Discovery & American Heroes Channel

Discovery Communications

Sara Kozak oversees production for Investigation Discovery (ID) and American Heroes Channel (AHC). In this role, she has been critical to the success of ID, which has become one of America’s fastest-growing cable networks – moving from the #50 network for W25-54 at launch to the #3 network today. Koz...more

Daniel Kozlowski is Director of Programming at El Rey Network. He received his B.F.A. in Film and Television Production from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts before working in business affairs at New Line Cinema, later moving within the Time Warner family to serve as part of the...more

Michele Kurtz oversees Half Yard’s development slate, heading up a team of talented producers with a knack for finding compelling characters in remarkable worlds. Development projects she has overseen include The Last Alaskans, Diggers and Big Time RV.

In her 10 years at Half Yard, Michele previously held positions...more

As an Emmy-nominated television executive, Timothy Kuryak has developed, produced and overseen thousands of hours of programming for both broadcast and cable networks here in the United States and abroad.

Currently, Timothy serves as the SVP of Production & Development for UPtv, where he oversees all unscripted development and current programming,...more

Bob Lange is a founding partner of the entertainment law firm Kleinberg Lange Cuddy & Carlo, LLP. He represents numerous accomplished actors, hosts, directors, writers, television and motion picture production companies, producers, showrunners and executives in the entertainment industry. Bob has extensive transactional experience, both as a lawyer and executive, including...more

Athlete Content & Entertainment (ACE Media) is led by CEO Scott Langerman, a 20-year veteran of the sports and entertainment industries who has held senior positions at Comcast SportsNet and Turner Broadcasting, among other media companies. Prior to joining ACE Media, Langerman was an executive and advisor at SB Nation...more

Robyn Lattaker-Johnson is a dynamic leader and creatively collaborative television executive responsible for developing and shepherding top-rated franchises for multiple networks.

With over 20 years in entertainment spanning film, television, casting, physical production, development and current programming, Robyn Lattaker-Johnson has experience built across many disciplines, as well as razor-sharp creative instincts....more

Megan Lawrence is the Vice President of Programming and Development for both Food Network and Cooking Channel. Based out of Los Angeles, she oversees west coast development operations, including vetting all incoming submissions, generating internal concepts and spearheading production of original programming such as Cake Wars, Cupcake Wars and Halloween...more

Betsy LeBlanc, Director, PBS International has more than 20 years of broadcast sales and marketing experience. LeBlanc helped to launch the division as WGBH International in 1997 has played an instrumental role in the successful growth of the company, which includes the representation of such notable filmmakers as Stanley Nelson,...more

Howard Lee is the Executive Vice President, Development & Production for TLC and General Manager of Discovery Life. In 2015, President Nancy Daniels expanded Lee’s role to General Manager of Discovery Life and to oversee TLC’s entire production and development programming slate, originating from the Los Angeles, New York and...more

Max Levenson currently serves as Vice President of Current & Creative Development at Electus, a multimedia entertainment studio owned by Barry Diller’s IAC, where he oversees the development and production of unscripted content for distribution across various broadcast, cable, and OTT platforms.

As VP, Production for Blue Ant Media, Sam brings over 25 years of production expertise to the media company’s specialty television channels including Cottage Life, T+E, Makeful and Smithsonian Canada. In her role, Sam oversees commissioning, in-house production and digital content for original series such as Colin and Justin’s Cabin...more

Cynthia Littleton is Managing Editor, TV at Variety. She has covered the television beat for the past 20 years. She began her career at United Press International, followed by stints at Broadcasting & Cable magazine, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter, where she rose to Editor before rejoining Variety in 2007.

Krista Look is the Director of Original Women and Lifestyle Content for Corus Entertainment in Toronto. In this role, she is responsible for steering the original linear and digital content strategies and slates for networks including HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, W Network and Slice.

As Global Content Strategy Manager Arun is overlooking the direction of what kind of original content Insight needs to commission to support our brand promise. Together with a great team of executive producers we select the best, innovative ideas on trending topics and turn them into phenomenal stories.

Katie Maloney is a Television agent at leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Maloney works in the New York office and represents many of the world’s leading on-air talent, producers, and production companies, including Wendy Williams, Jenna Bush Hager, Crazy Legs Productions, Half Yard Productions, True Entertainment,...more

Harry Marshall was born in 1960 and grew up in India where he learnt how to catch elephants using binoculars, tweezers and a jam jar. In 1978 he won an open scholarship to read English at Oxford University. During the 80’s he worked at London Weekend Television on the South...more

EVP, Head of Unscripted Programming, Lifetime & Head of Programming, FYI

A+E Networks

Emmy-nominated programming executive, Gena McCarthy, is the Executive Vice President of Programming and Development for FYI. In her role, McCarthy oversees all programming and development of FYI, including the hit docuseries Married at First Sight, Tiny House Nation, Man vs. Child: Chef Showdown and more.

Winona Meringolo is the Vice President of Development for Investigation Discovery and American Heroes Channel. ID is the preeminent true crime destination; delivering over 650 premiere hours a year of mystery and suspense programming that fully immerses and engages audiences. Winona plays a critical role developing original content for the...more

John Miller-Monzon is a veteran producer and creative executive for film & tv, and currently the Director of News & Docs for Viacom’s CMT network where he develops and exec produces long-form documentaries & unscripted series.

After launching his freelance producing career with Comedy Central's cult sitcom, Strangers...more

Jane Millichip is the Managing Director of Sky Vision, the production and international distribution arm of Sky. Since taking over at Sky Vision in 2013, Jane has steered the business to tenfold growth; acquiring stakes in seven production businesses in the UK and the US (the largest of which are...more

Angela Molloy is WE tv’s vice president of development, based in the network’s Los Angeles office. She works closely with west coast based production partners and agencies to find fresh new unscripted programming for the network. She is currently an Executive Producer on WE tv series L.A. Hair among others.

Tara Montgomery serves as executive vice president, head of Programming for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. Prior to her work for OWN, Montgomery served as executive producer of OWN’s popular flagship series Super Soul Sunday, the Emmy award-winning series that features conversations between Oprah Winfrey and top thinkers, authors, visionaries and...more

Widely credited with inventing the modern reality television genre, Jonathan Murray inspires, influences and entertains television audiences worldwide. Since the 1992 launch of The Real World (MTV), he has created and executive produced some of the industry’s most innovative, unscripted television programs. Under Murray’s leadership, Bunim/Murray Productions created the first reality...more

Tim Mutimer is Chief Executive Officer at Banijay Rights is the international distribution division of Banijay Group, a leading creator and producer of TV content worldwide. Banijay Rights has offices in London, Paris and Copenhagen and represents a catalogue of over 20,000 hours of high quality content across all genres...more

As Executive Vice President & Head of International Contentfor National Geographic Channels International (NGCI), Mykura leads content development and production for the National Geographic Channels outside the US, heading up National Geographic’s growing international production hub based in London. He is responsible for developing and supplying new programming for the core...more

Colin Nash is a Senior Vice President of MTV Series Development and currently manages the unscripted development team for the network. Recently highlighted as a “40 under 40” of outstanding young execs in entertainment, Nash oversees both development projects and current series for the network. In 2016, he managed 14...more

Will Nothacker is senior vice president of development at Leftfield Pictures, overseeing all development at the company and managing transitioning projects from development to production. While at Leftfield, he has developed series for a range of networks including FOX, A&E, History, WEtv, Discovery, Animal Planet, E! and CMT, among others.

Danielle Ostroske D’Ingillo joined the TLC team as Director of Development in August 2013. Based in New York, she plays an instrumental role in the development of all series across TLC’s slate of programming including such shows as Tattoo Girls and working with production companies, agencies, and potential talent to...more

Allison Page is General Manager of U.S. Programming and Development for Scripps Networks Interactive. In this role, she oversees all programming and development for Scripps Networks’ domestic brands HGTV, Food Network, Travel Channel, DIY Network, Cooking Channel and Great American Country.

Jamie Pallot is a co-founder of Emblematic Group, pioneering producers of socially impactful virtual reality. Pallot was formerly Editorial Director of Condé Nast Digital, where he won a National Magazine Award for General Excellence, overseeing web sites including Style.com and Epicurious and launching the company’s first IOS apps. He has...more

Chris Palmer is an environmental/wildlife film producer, professor, speaker, and author. Over the past thirty years, Chris has spearheaded the production of more than 300 hours of original programming for prime time television and the giant screen IMAX film industry. Chris serves as president of One World One Ocean Foundation...more

Tim Pastore is president, original programming & production for all National Geographic unscripted programming globally. Pastore oversees all development, production and operations teams in New York, Washington, D.C and London. Additionally, Pastore oversees National Geographic Studios (NG Studios), the in-house television production unit that currently produces the network’s Emmy-nominated series...more

Lisa Perrin is CEO of Creative Networks, Endemol Shine Group, a role she was appointed to in March 2015. In this capacity she leads the creative division, focusing on the co-ordination and acceleration of IP around the group, supporting a network of 120 companies in more than 30 markets around...more

Brant Pinvidic is an award winning film director, veteran television producer, and the founder and CEO of INvelop Entertainment. At INvelop, Brant continues to focus on Film, Television, and Digital productions as well as his executive consulting, public speaking, and charitable endeavors.

Veteran producer Julia Pistor began her career in 1995 when she joined Nickelodeon Movies as associate producer for Harriet the Spy. During her 11-year tenure at Nickelodeon, Pistor helped build a number of lucrative television and film franchises, and successfully extended the Nickelodeon brand into a leading provider of family-friendly...more

D’Angela Proctor is TV One’s SVP of Original Programming & Production. In this role, she provides strategic direction for all original programming and oversees all development and current production for the network.

Since joining TV One in 2014, Proctor launched the country’s first and only daily news program dedicated to the...more

Chanel Carmona serves as Associate Director of Development, Original Series for CNN and HLN, where she oversees creative development strategy on the West Coast. In this role, she is responsible for expanding CNN and HLN’s Original Series rosters by identifying and executing new non-fiction projects from development through series green...more

Jennifer Quainton is Vice President of Cooking Channel and Food Network. In her current role, Quainton oversees both development and scheduling strategy for Cooking Channel, as well as daytime programming for both networks.

A member of the Food Network and Cooking Channel team since 2000, Quainton has overseen key day-part scheduling...more

Diane Rankin leads Distribution360, overseeing all sales and acquisitions activity, working with the company’s growing list of third party production partners, as well as the marblemedia internal production team to bring great content to buyers around the World. Diane splits her time between London and Toronto to manage the D360...more

Chris Rantamaki is Discovery Channel’s Senior Vice President of Production and Development. Based in Los Angeles, Rantamaki oversees the east and west coast teams responsible for the network’s non-fiction slate, which includes such hits as Gold Rush, Deadliest Catch, Fast n’ Loud, Naked and Afraid and Killing Fields, among others. ...more

Adam Reed has been collaborating with Thinkfactory Media Owner & CEO, Leslie Greif, since 2004 and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production for Thinkfactory Media including both creative and business development, along with day-to-day production across all series. Reed has been instrumental in transitioning the company into a thriving...more

Neil Regan joined Scripps Networks Interactive as Vice President of Programming for Travel Channel in January 2016. He reports directly to Courtney White, who was recently promoted to Senior Vice President of Programming at the network. In this position, Regan manages the development and production of series and specials for...more

Scott Reich is SVP, Programming at Fullscreen Media and oversees development of scripted and unscripted projects as well as content acquisitions for the company’s subscription video on demand service, Fullscreen. Reich previously served as Vice President of Programming and Original Content at Vevo where he was responsible for building and...more

As Vice President, Development, Oxygen Media, Benny Reuven is charged with continuing to develop lifestyle programming that speaks to the passions and interests of the network’s young, multicultural female audience. Based in Los Angeles, Reuven reports to Cori Abraham, Senior Vice President of Development & International, Oxygen Media.

Mark Reynolds is the Genre Director for Factual at BBC Worldwide, overseeing a portfolio of titles including Planet Earth II, Forces of Nature, Louis Theroux: My Scientology Movie, Life and Death Row and Operation Gold Rush.

Mark is responsible for developing and delivering the content strategy for Factual including managing creative...more

Nick Rigg is president of Loud Television, a full-service, entertainment and production company that is a joint venture between Rigg and New York-based Leftfield Entertainment. In founding Loud, Rigg leverages two decades of TV development and production experience, with particular expertise in lifestyle programming and branded entertainment.

Matt leads October's creative strategy across its UK and US offices, overseeing relationships with broadcasters, producers, partners and talent. Since joining in 2004, Matt has expanded October’s slate from a blue-chip documentary base to the full spectrum of factual content, creating and executive producing across diverse genres.

With 35+ years experience, knowledge and connections in the television industry, Michel has played a key role in driving the television Format industry to worldwide prominence. He offers comprehensive consultancy on all aspects of the business from building TV networks to providing executive-mentoring, global market analysis and bespoke format purchase...more

Rich Ross serves as Group President of Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and Science Channel and oversees all creative and brand strategy, development, production, marketing and day-to-day operations for all three networks. Ross is based in Los Angeles and reports to David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications.

Hudsun Media is a multi-platform production company and creative agency based in New York and Los Angeles. Born in the fires of television, Hudsun has evolved into a strategically minded content machine partnering with networks, MCNs, agencies and brands to create engaging, entertaining...more

David Royle leads the editorial team that launched the Smithsonian Channel, overseeing commissioning, acquiring, producing and scheduling. Smithsonian Channel is now available by satellite, cable and telecom service, as well as on multiple digital and mobile platforms. It launched in Canada in 2013 and in Singapore in 2016. One of...more

Loren Ruch is the Vice President of Programming, Partnerships and Special Events for HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country, where he oversees many of the networks’ high-profile specials and series including Property Brothers, Brother vs Brother, My Lottery Dream Home, Restored, White House Christmas and all of the sweepstakes-related home...more

Betsy Ayala recently joined the Scripps Networks Interactive home category team as Vice President of Programming. In her new role, Ayala manages the development and production of series and specials for HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country. She will be based in Knoxville, Tenn., reporting to John Feld, Senior...more

Jason Sarlanis joined TLC in December 2016 as Senior Vice President, Development. Based out of the Los Angeles office, Sarlanis oversees development teams on both coasts and reports directly to Howard Lee, EVP Development and Production, TLC.

Sarlanis joined the network from ABC where he was charged with leading development and...more

Joel K. Savitt recently joined YouTube as Head of Production for YouTube Originals, where he works with production companies and oversees all physical and financial aspects of their productions for YouTube Original Programming. Prior to joining YouTube, Joel was the VP of Production and Operations at NBCUniversal's cable network Oxygen...more

Ed Sayer is Vice President Production and Development, Factual for Discovery Networks International, a division of Discovery Communications.

He joined the team in October 2015, and in his role, oversees, commissions and creates factual content, including series and specials in the male-skewing genres for Discovery Networks International’s London production hub to be broadcast...more

Robert Scanlon is Executive Vice President and General Manager of Velocity and Automotive Content at Discovery Communications, Inc., overseeing programming, development, production, marketing and communications for Velocity. Additionally, he is charged with developing automotive content globally for Discovery Communications.

Under his guidance Velocity has grown larger and faster than any other...more

David Schiff serves as GSN's senior vice president of programming and development, overseeing all original production and development for the network. Since joining the network, Schiff has lead GSN's effort to expand its core female viewership across a wide variety of genres and competition formats.

Jessica Schmiedchen is an innovative media executive with over 15 years experience in all phases of development and production. In her role in CBC’s Unscripted Content group, Jessica oversees development of formats and original content in the genres of factual entertainment, arts, doc series, and digital originals. She is responsible for...more

Sharon Scott is the President and General Manager of Peacock Productions, a division of NBC News. Peacock Productions is NBCUniversal’s non-fiction production company specializing in all genres of non-scripted programming, including live events, such as Nik Wallenda’s Skywalk, docu-dramas, narrative crime series, breaking news specials, and documentaries.

Philip D. Segal is the CEO and Executive Producer of Original Productions, a FremantleMedia company, a post he has held since November, 2012. He joined the company in 2005 as President and Executive Producer.

During his tenure at Original Productions, the company has produced hit after hit with multiple year renewals....more

Rob Sharenow is Executive Vice President and General Manager of A&E Network and Lifetime. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing all creative and strategic business matters for the two networks. A veteran executive for A+E Networks and having lead two successful tenures at A&E and Lifetime, Sharenow was...more

Nicole Silveira serves as Vice President of Unscripted Development for Pilgrim Media Group. Since joining Pilgrim in March of 2016, she has had a hand in developing shows for networks such as WEtv, FYI and Discovery.

Prior to Pilgrim, she served as a development executive for both ITV and Gurney Productions,...more

Jonathan Sinclair currently serves as executive vice president of Programming and Development for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. In this role, Sinclair develops and delivers new and inspirational programming that aligns with Oprah Winfrey’s legacy and expands the first-rate content of the network.

Ryan Slattery serves as Senior Vice President of Production & Development at Collab (www.collabcreators.com) — the largest independent multi-platform network. With over 400 of the top social influencers in its network representing 600 million fans and billions of views per month, Collab has established itself as a leading video network for...more

Betsy Slenzak is the Director of Original Programming and Series Development at E! Entertainment, where she is responsible for the daily management of the network’s hit plastic surgery show, Botched. Slenzak also oversees Fashion Police, as well as one of E!’s most recent greenlit series What Happens At The Abbey.

Since establishing part2 pictures in 2007 in his native New York, David Shadrack Smith has created and overseen over 200 hours of television and film for broadcasters such as Showtime, CNN, National Geographic, Discovery, OWN, NOVA, MSNBC, LMN, and more. His work behind the lens and as an executive producer has included...more

Nick Smith, Senior Vice President of Format Production at all3media international has over ten years experience of working with television formats. He has spent time developing formats (part of the BBC Entertainment development team that created Strictly Come Dancing), producing formats (task producer on two series of House of Tiny...more

As Senior Vice President, Development, Bravo Media, Rachel Smith oversees the non-scripted development for the network including pilots, casting reels and original concepts. Based in New York, she reports to Frances Berwick, President, Lifestyle Networks, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment.

Previously, Smith served as Senior Vice President, Current Production, Bravo and oversaw hit...more

John Smithson is co-founder and joint creative director of Arrow Media, one of the UK’s fastest growing independent production companies. Previously he was chief executive of Darlow Smithson Productions, a company he created and evolved into one of the biggest and most admired producers in global non-fiction TV.

As the Director of Program Development and Casting, Snead is responsible for the cultivation of new and developing programs and talent across Investigation Discovery. Since stepping into the role in 2012, Snead has championed highly successful series such as See No Evil, Married with Secrets, Murder Among Friends, and Evil...more

As the Vice President, Development at WE tv, David Stefanou is responsible for scouting and developing fresh, new unscripted series that fit with the network’s existing slate of popular shows including Braxton Family Values, Mary Mary, Kendra on Top and the hit Marriage Boot Camp franchise.

Colleen Needles Steward is always on the hunt for the next brilliant idea and has discovered that the ones scribbled on the back of cocktail napkins are usually the best. With more than 30 years of television experience, she spearheads the company’s new show development and oversees the production of...more

Mike Stiller is Vice President, Development and Programming for History. In this capacity he leads a team of executives developing and overseeing a wide range of programming, including reality and non-fiction series, special events, and some scripted dramas. The past year, he also oversaw development and production at H2.

Yuri SUDO joined NHK in 1998 and started his career as a TV director. Since then he has been involved in a lot of NHK projects of different genres including history, human interest documentaries, comedy shows and education programs as a director and/or producer. He has also worked to develop...more

Peter Tarshis currently serves as an Executive Producer for A&E and LMN. In this role, Peter has produced several successful series for both networks, including A&E’s The First 48, After The First 48, The Killer Speaks, amongst others and such specials as The First 48: The Case that Haunts Me and...more

After college at Harvard and law school at Berkeley, Banks worked as a civil rights attorney in his home state of Texas. His first (and best) documentary -- Watch Me Jumpstart – was about his favorite rock band, Guided By Voices. In 2004, he co-founded Left/Right with filmmaker Ken Druckerman....more

Spencer Thomas is Senior Producer for CJ E & M’s Factual Team. Spencer’s specialty is creating, packaging, and localizing CJ E & M’s formats. In 2016, Spencer was on the development team that co-created “The Society Game” with Endemol Shine Group, and helped launch the Factual Team which has a...more

With over 20 years of entertainment programming and producing experience, Daniel Tibbets serves as president and general manager for El Rey Network, a 24-hour, English-language lifestyle network targeting “Strivers,” who hold strong core beliefs about the importance of family, independence, hard work, craftsmanship, and legacy. Overseeing operations and leading the...more

Kurt Tondorf is Senior Vice President, Development for Animal Planet and Science Channel. Tondorf oversees Animal Planet and Science Channel’s development slate and is responsible for bringing new series and specials to the networks while supervising the development of concepts to green light. Additionally, he identifies writers and talent necessary...more

Jane Turton joined all3media in October 2008 and has played a key role building the business globally through setting strategies to grow the existing companies in the Group and through acquiring and starting up new operations. Jane was promoted to Chief Executive Officer in 2015 after the sale of all3media...more

Buddy Valastro has turned television success into a multi-million dollar baking empire.

For Valastro, mixing eggs, sugar, butter and flour means a lot more than “making a cake.” As a fourth generation baker, it’s a constant source of pleasure, pride and creativity. Creating amazing cakes connects Buddy with the memory of his father Buddy Sr....more

Elizabeth Ventura is a Production Consultant with 17 years experience driving production management of multimillion-dollar series and specials, working with PBS, independent producers, production companies and networks including AETN, Animal Planet, Discovery, HGTV, History Channel, National Geographic, Spike TV, TLC, and TRU TV. She is proficient in overseeing all aspects of...more

Ryan Wackerman is an agent at ICM Partners in the International Television and Media department working out of their Los Angeles office. He focuses on unscripted television’s broadcast, cable, and syndication markets as well as premier digital platforms representing many of the world’s leading producers, production companies, and on-air talent.

Todd Weiser is Vice President of Programming and Development for Food Network and Cooking Channel. In this role, he oversees a talented team developing new series, specials and tentpoles for Scripps Networks Interactive’s food category. In addition to creating new content, he and his team oversee all of Food Network...more

As Executive Vice President of Programming and Development at Original Productions, a FremantleMedia Company, Sarah plays an integral role in the “high risk, high reward” genre of television. She nurtures the company’s new and returning series through field and post production while simultaneously supervising the company’s development slate. Sarah joined...more

Courtney White was promoted to Senior Vice President of Programming for Travel Channel in December 2015. Prior to her current role, she served as Vice President of Program Development and Production for HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country, where she managed several series and pilots. White was also charged...more

Temple Williams returns to 51 Minds as Chief Operating Officer, where he oversees operations, production management and strategic growth of the company from its headquarters in North Hollywood, California.

Williams brings to 51 Minds years of experience as a business and creative executive in the entertainment industry. He most recently served...more

Lisa A. Williams-Fauntroy is Senior Vice President for Business & Legal Affairs at Discovery Communications, LLC.

At Discovery, Lisa manages and handles business and legal affairs matters for the company’s flagship network, Discovery Channel, as well as Animal Planet and Science Channel. When Lisa joined Discovery in March of 1997, she...more

Originally from Stoke-on-Trent, Lev studied History at the University of Nottingham, before attending Sandhurst and serving as an Officer in the British Parachute Regiment, including Operation Herrick 8 in Afghanistan. His journalism has taken him to Iraq, Syria, Pakistan, North and South Sudan, most of Sub-Saharan Africa, India, Nepal and...more

Simon Young is Senior Director of Development & Production at National Geographic Channel, where he develops and oversees the delivery of new specials and series, as well as acting as a major point of contact for the global production community. Prior to joining NGC, he produced Channel 4’s headline-grabbing documentaries...more